Article of footwear

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear comprises a sole extending along a longitudinal axis between a heel portion and a toe portion. The sole extends along a width axis between inner and outer edges. The width axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis. A maximum width of the sole is defined along the width axis. The sole extends along a height axis between a top surface and a bottom surface. The height axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis and to the width axis. A maximum height of the sole is defined along the height axis. The bottom surface is at least partially convex. A convex portion of the bottom surface is defined by a radius having a center positioned lower than the width axis along the height axis. The sole can be engaged with a boot. The sole can be part of a kit including a boot and a skate blade assembly.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear such as a skate.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,639 discloses a SHOE WITH AN IMPROVED MIDSOLE. The midsole for a shoe includes one or more foam columns disposed between an upper and a lower plate. One or more elastomeric foam elements are disposed between the upper and lower plates. The foam elements are made of a material such as microcellular polyurethane-elastomer based on a polyester-alcohol and naphthalene-disocyanate (NDI). In one embodiment, the foam elements have the shape of hollow cylindrical columns, and may include grooves formed on the exterior surface. One or more elastic rings are disposed about the columns and are removably disposable in the grooves, allowing the stiffness of the columns to be adjusted. In a further embodiment, inflatable gas bladders are disposed in the hollow regions. The heights of the gas bladders may be less than the heights of the columns such that when the midsole is compressed, the wearer experiences a first stiffness corresponding to compression of the columns alone, and a second stiffness corresponding to compression of both the columns and the bladders. Alternatively, the bladders may be inflated so as to cause the columns to be stretched, even when no load is applied. Since the level of inflation of the bladders may be adjusted, the overall stiffness of the midsole may be tuned to the individual requirements of the wearer.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

An article of footwear comprises a sole extending along a longitudinal axis between a heel portion and a toe portion. The sole extends along a width axis between inner and outer edges. The width axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis. A maximum width of the sole is defined along the width axis. The sole extends along a height axis between a top surface and a bottom surface. The height axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis and to the width axis. A maximum height of the sole is defined along the height axis. The bottom surface is at least partially convex. A convex portion of the bottom surface is defined by a radius having a center positioned lower than the width axis along the height axis. The sole can be engaged with a boot. The sole can be part of a kit including a boot and a skate blade assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description set forth below references the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an article of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an article of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an article of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of an article of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an article of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an article of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an article of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a partial front view of an article of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an article of footwear having a boot, a sole, and a skate blade assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A plurality of different embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in the Figures of the application. Similar features are shown in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar features across different embodiments have been numbered with a common reference numeral and have been differentiated by an alphabetic suffix. Similar features in a particular embodiment have been numbered with a common two-digit, base reference numeral and have been differentiated by a different leading numeral. Also, to enhance consistency, the structures in any particular drawing share the same alphabetic suffix even if a particular feature is shown in less than all embodiments. Similar features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and/or have the same function unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification. Furthermore, particular features of one embodiment can replace corresponding features in another embodiment or can supplement other embodiments unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification.

The present disclosure, as demonstrated by the exemplary embodiments described below, can provide an article of footwear. The benefits of using the article of footwear come in a number ways in various embodiments of the present disclosure. When, for example, a user wears the article while doing various off-ice puck handling and shooting drills, the user will be mimicking a more realistic on-ice feel by being in the same physical orientation as on the ice, such as height and stability.

Wearing the article during strength training will allow a user to utilize important stabilizer muscles that are very important for on-ice strength. On-ice strength is all about muscle memory. Wearing the article during strength training will allow a user to utilize the same stabilizer muscles that a user would use while battling an opponent in the corners or driving the puck to the net during a game.

Using different balancing equipment such as balancing boards or exercise balls while wearing the article will improve a user's on-ice balance and help develop important stabilizer muscles which are vital to on-ice strength and power.

The game of hockey is becoming all about speed. Foot speed is one of the biggest factors that separates a player who is playing in the NHL from a player in the minor leagues. The biggest thing Steve Yzerman was looking for in players when selecting the Canadian Olympic team this past year was a player's ability to skate on the big (international) ice. Foot speed was a big reason why certain players were selected. Users will find using one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will help them achieve their full potential as a elite hockey player.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can closely mimic the feel of wearing a skate on the ice while training off the ice. A player can train in a manner as close to how they actually play in order to get the on-ice results that they strive for using an embodiment of the present disclosure during off-ice training

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure is an off-ice training tool that can be utilized by hockey players. However it could also be used by figure skaters. The design of the article can come in more than one embodiment. One embodiment could be similar to a traditional light weight lace up skate boot. The blade and blade holder can be replaced with a combination of rugged shock-absorbing polymers and rubbers to create a similar feel to the bottom of a cross training shoe, giving the athlete the same on-ice feel and body orientation while training off-ice.

As shown in FIG. 1, an article 10 of footwear can include a boot 12 and a sole 14. The boot 12 can include an upper 16, a toe cap 18, and a heel portion 20. The boot 12 can include eyelets, such as eyelet 22, for receiving laces. Alternatively, the boot 12 could include over-center latches or hook and loop fasteners for securing a user's foot within the boot 12. The boot 12 can define an internal cavity defining a sock liner for receiving a user's foot.

The sole 14 can be engaged with the boot 12. The sole 14 can extend along a longitudinal axis 28 between a heel portion 24 and a toe portion 26. FIG. 2 shows a top surface of the sole 14 when the sole 14 is disengaged from the boot 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sole 14 can extend along a width axis 30 between inner and outer edges 32, 34. The width axis 30 is transverse to the longitudinal axis 28 (referenced in FIGS. 1 and 2). A maximum width of the sole 14 can be defined along the width axis 30.

The sole 14 can extend along a height axis 36 between a top surface 38 and a bottom surface 40. The height axis 36 is transverse to the longitudinal axis 28 and to the width axis 30. A maximum height of the sole 14 can be defined along the height axis 36.

The bottom surface 40 can be at least partially convex. A convex portion 42 of the bottom surface 40 can be defined by a radius having a center positioned lower than the width axis 30 along the height axis 36. The radius is referenced at 44 and the center is referenced at 46.

The exemplary convex portion 42 extends about the center 46 a predetermined arc length and the bottom surface 40 then transitions to straight side walls 48, 50 respectively extending to the inner and outer edges 32, 34. The straight side walls 48, 50 can taper toward one another along the height axis 36. A chord 52 of maximum length extending between two points on the convex portion 42 in a plane being one of coplanar and parallel to the height axis 36 is positioned lower than the width axis 30 along the height axis 36.

The convex portion 42 is substantially centered between the inner and outer edges. The convex portion 42 defines a singular apex 54 of the bottom surface 40. The profile of the bottom surface 40 can be substantially constant between the heel portion 24 and the toe portion 26. Thus, the convex portion 42 can extend along a majority of the longitudinal axis 28.

It is noted that the sole 14 can include a plurality of layers having different shock-absorbing capacities. A layer 56 can be rigid plastic or metallic to enhance structural rigidity. The relatively hard upper layer 56 of the sole 14 could be like a shell that would give the entire sole 14 (side to side) support however a shock absorbing material could fill the hard shell and would be contacting a base of the boot (the upper 16) and carry on down to the bottom-most edge of the assembly. The soft polymer could be connected with a strong adhesive to the hard shell which would be riveted to the boot.

A layer 58 can be formed from materials operable to absorb shock greater than the layer 56. The material for the layer 58, or any layer, can be chosen to ensure that the layer withstands loading forces that would be applied during use. The layer defining the bottom surface 40 can include carbon rubber or blown rubber. The layer defining the bottom surface 40 can be formed from the same or similar materials used for cross-trainer shoes. U.S. Pat. No. 7,647,710 is hereby incorporated by reference for materials used for shoe soles; materials that can be used to form one or more layers of the sole 14 in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 also shows that in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the sole 14 can include an aperture 82 (shown in phantom by way of example and not limitation) much like that of the skate blade holder on a ice skate.

The sole 14 and the boot 12 can be fixedly engaged with one another. In one or more embodiments, the sole 14 and the boot 12 can be fixedly engaged with one another with adhesive. In other embodiments, the sole 14 and the boot 12 can be fixedly engaged with one another with rivets. Rivets are shown in phantom in FIGS. 1 and 3 and referenced at 60.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an article 10 a of footwear can include a boot 12 a and a sole 14 a. The boot 12 a can include an upper 16 a, a toe cap 18 a, and a heel portion 20 a. The boot 12 a can include eyelets, such as eyelet 22 a, for receiving laces. Alternatively, the boot 12 a could include over-center latches or hook and loop fasteners for securing a user's foot within the boot 12 a. The boot 12 a can define an internal cavity defining a sock liner for receiving a user's foot.

The sole 14 a can extend along a longitudinal axis 28 a between a heel portion 24 a and a toe portion 26 a. The sole 14 a can extend along a width axis 30 a between inner and outer edges 32 a, 34 a. The width axis 30 a is transverse to the longitudinal axis 28 a. A maximum width of the sole 14 a can be defined along the width axis 30 a. The sole 14 a can also extend along a height axis 36 a between a top surface 38 a and a bottom surface 40 a. The height axis 36 a is transverse to the longitudinal axis 28 a and to the width axis 30 a. A maximum height of the sole 14 a can be defined along the height axis 36 a.

The bottom surface 40 a can be at least partially convex. A convex portion 42 a of the bottom surface 40 a can be defined by a radius having a center positioned lower than the width axis 30 a along the height axis 36 a. The radius is referenced at 44 a and the center is referenced at 46 a.

The sole 14 a and the boot 12 a can be releasibly engaged with one another. A layer 56 a of the sole 14 a can be formed as tongue portion and the boot 14 a can define a groove portion 62 a. The tongue portion 56 a can be received in the groove portion 62 a. The tongue portion 56 a and the groove portion 62 a can releasibly engage the boot 12 a and the sole 14 a with respect to one another.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the boot 12 a can include a locking tab 64 a. The locking tab 64 a can project from a flap 66 a. The flap 66 a can pivot about a pivot axis 68 a. As best shown in FIG. 4, the layer 56 a can define a locking groove 70 a. The locking tab 64 a can be received in the locking groove 70 a to releasibly lock the boot 12 and the sole 14 together.

As shown in FIG. 6, an article 10 b of footwear can include a sole 14 b. The sole 14 b can be engageable with the boot. The sole 14 b can extend along a longitudinal axis 28 b between a heel portion 24 b and a toe portion 26 b.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sole 14 b can extend along a width axis 30 b between inner and outer edges 32 b, 34 b. The width axis 30 b is transverse to the longitudinal axis 28 b. A maximum width of the sole 14 b can be defined along the width axis 30 b.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the sole 14 b can extend along a height axis 36 b between a top surface 38 b and a bottom surface 40 b. The height axis 36 b is transverse to the longitudinal axis 28 b and to the width axis 30 b. A maximum height of the sole 14 b can be defined along the height axis 36 b. The bottom surface 40 b can be at least partially convex as the bottom surfaces 40, 40 a are partially convex.

The embodiment of the sole 14 b can include layers 56 b, 58 b that are interconnected with a tongue and groove arrangement. The dashed line 57 b is the boundary of the 58 b within the layer 56 b. The layer 56 b can be formed with a groove portion 72 b and the layer 58 b can define a tongue portion 74 b. The tongue portion 74 b can be received in the groove portion 72 b. The tongue portion 74 b and the groove portion 72 b can releasibly engage the layers 56 b, 58 b with respect to one another. The tongue portion 74 b and the groove portion 72 b extend along the height axis 36 b at the heel portion 24 b.

As shown in FIG. 8, an article 10 c of footwear can include a sole 14 c. The sole 14 c can be engageable with the boot. The sole 14 c can extend along a longitudinal axis between a heel portion and a toe portion. The sole 14 c can also extend along a width axis 30 c between inner and outer edges. The width axis 30 c is transverse to the longitudinal axis. A maximum width of the sole 14 c can be defined along the width axis 30 c. The sole 14 c can also extend along a height axis 36 c between a top surface and a bottom surface 40 c. The height axis 36 c is transverse to the longitudinal axis and to the width axis 30 c. A maximum height of the sole 14 c can be defined along the height axis 36 c.

The bottom surface 40 c can be at least partially convex. A convex portion 42 c of the bottom surface 40 c can be defined by a radius having a center positioned lower than the width axis 30 c along the height axis 36 c. The radius is referenced at 44 c and the center is referenced at 46 c.

The exemplary convex portion 42 c extends about the center 46 c a predetermined arc length and the bottom surface 40 c then transitions to straight side walls extending to the inner and outer edges. The straight side walls can include a first set of walls 76 c, 78 c that extend parallel to the height axis 36 c. The straight side walls can also include a second set of walls 48 c, 50 c that tapered toward one another along the height axis 36 c.

The walls 76 c, 78 c and the convex portion 42 can define a protuberance analogous to a skate blade. The protuberance can be internally reinforced with a metallic rod extending the length of the sole 14 c or a metallic mesh. A rod or mesh could be embedded in shock-absorbing plastic, rubber, or elastomeric material.

As shown in FIG. 9, an article 10 d of footwear can include a boot 12 d and a sole 14 d. The sole 14 d can be releasibly engaged with the boot 12 d. The boot 12 d and sole 14 d can be components of a kit. The kit can also include a skate blade assembly 80 d. The skate blade assembly 80 d and the sole 14 d are releasibly engageable with the boot 12 d. A user can engage the skate blade assembly 80 d with the boot 12 d to skate and train on ice. A user can engage the sole 14 d with the boot 12 d to train off the ice.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Further, the “present disclosure” as that term is used in this document is what is claimed in the claims of this document. The right to claim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein as other present disclosures in other patent documents is hereby unconditionally reserved. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole extending along a longitudinal axis between a heel portion and a toe portion, said sole extending along a width axis between inner and outer edges, said width axis transverse to said longitudinal axis, a maximum width of said sole defined along said width axis, said sole extending along a height axis between a top surface and a bottom surface, said height axis transverse to said longitudinal axis and to said width axis, a maximum height of said sole defined along said height axis, said bottom surface being at least partially convex, a convex portion of said bottom surface defined by a radius having a center positioned lower than said width axis along said height axis.
 2. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein a chord of maximum length extending between two points on said convex portion in a plane being one of coplanar and parallel to said height axis is positioned lower than said width axis along said height axis.
 3. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein said convex portion is substantially centered between said inner and outer edges.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein said convex portion defines a singular apex of said bottom surface.
 5. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein said convex portion extends along a majority of said longitudinal axis.
 6. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein said sole further comprises: straight side walls extending each extending between said convex portion and said inner and outer edges.
 7. The article of footwear of claim 6 wherein said straight side walls tapered toward one another along said height axis.
 8. The article of footwear of claim 6 wherein said straight side walls extend parallel to said height axis.
 9. The article of footwear of claim 6 wherein said straight side walls further comprises: a first set of walls that extend parallel to said height axis; and a second set of walls that tapered toward one another along said height axis.
 10. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein said sole is further defined as a plurality of layers having different shock-absorbing capacities.
 11. The article of footwear of claim 1 wherein said sole is further defined as a plurality of layers interconnected with a tongue and groove arrangement extending along said height axis at said heel portion.
 12. An article of footwear comprising: a boot; and a sole engaged with said boot, said sole extending along a longitudinal axis between a heel portion and a toe portion, said sole extending along a width axis between inner and outer edges, said width axis transverse to said longitudinal axis, a maximum width of said sole defined along said width axis, said sole extending along a height axis between a top surface and a bottom surface, said height axis transverse to said longitudinal axis and to said width axis, a maximum height of said sole defined along said height axis, said bottom surface being at least partially convex, a convex portion of said bottom surface defined by a radius having a center positioned lower than said width axis along said height axis.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 12 wherein said sole and said boot are fixedly engaged with one another.
 14. The article of footwear of claim 13 wherein said sole and said boot are fixedly engaged with one another with adhesive.
 15. The article of footwear of claim 13 wherein said sole and said boot are fixedly engaged with one another with rivets.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 12 wherein said sole and said boot are releasibly engaged with one another.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 16 wherein one of said sole and said boot further comprises one of a tongue portion and a groove portion and the other of said sole and said boot further comprises the other of said tongue portion and said groove portion, said tongue portion and said groove portion releasibly engaging said boot and said sole with one another.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 16 wherein one of said sole and said boot further comprises one of a locking tab and a locking groove and the other of said sole and said boot further comprises the other of said locking tab and said locking groove, said locking tab and said locking groove releasibly engageable with respect to one another to releasibly lock said boot and said sole together.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 18 wherein one of said locking tab and said locking groove is position on a flap, said flap pivotally connected to one of said sole and said boot.
 20. A kit comprising: a boot; a sole extending along a longitudinal axis between a heel portion and a toe portion, said sole extending along a width axis between inner and outer edges, said width axis transverse to said longitudinal axis, a maximum width of said sole defined along said width axis, said sole extending along a height axis between a top surface and a bottom surface, said height axis transverse to said longitudinal axis and to said width axis, a maximum height of said sole defined along said height axis, said bottom surface being at least partially convex, a convex portion of said bottom surface defined by a radius having a center positioned lower than said width axis along said height axis; and a skate blade assembly, wherein each of said skate blade assembly and said sole are releasibly engageable with said boot. 